Baby Shaking Head Side-To-Side: Why Do They Do And How To Stop It?

Babies usually do this to interact, but it may sometimes indicate a medical issue.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Elna Gibson, MBChB, MMed Dr. Elna Gibson Dr. Elna GibsonMBChB, MMed MomJunction on Facebook Specialty: PediatricsExperience: 25 years
Written by , Medical Doctor Dr Bisny T. Joseph Medical Doctor Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and Medical TreatmentsExperience: 5 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
Fact-checked by , M.Tech Shinta Liz Sunny M.Tech Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 4 years
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A Baby Shaking Head Side-To-Side

Image: Momjunction Design Team

You may notice a baby shaking their head while interacting with others or playing. Shaking their head from side to side is a common way older infants react to questions or communicate. Though head shaking is common in little ones, it could also indicate neurological or developmental problems.

Read this post to learn more about the typical and uncommon reasons babies shake their heads, how to deal with it, and when to consult a doctor.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • If a baby is healthy and happy, parents shouldn’t worry about head-shaking in babies.
  • Babies shake heads to hone their ability to keep holding their head up, self-soothing, or position their head to latch on to the nipple while breastfeeding.
  • Shaking head side-to-side is the most common way older infants respond to a question or communicate.
  • However, excessive or repetitive head-shaking indicates an underlying problem that a pediatrician must evaluate.

Normal Causes Of Baby Head-Shaking

Are you wondering why babies shake their head from side to side? If you notice your baby is happy and healthy, then head-shaking is nothing to worry about. Here are a few usual reasons why your baby may shake their head.

1. Developing motor skills

Once your baby’s neck muscles are developed, they test their ability to hold up and move the head. It is a part of normal developmental milestones. Usually, by the end of the first month, a baby starts moving their head from side to side. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mention that by the age of two months, they can raise their heads while on their tummy (1). It may be jerkier initially due to developing muscle control and coordination.

2. Self-soothing

A baby shakes its head from side to side as a part of self-soothing. It can be a natural tactic to calm themselves down to sleep. You may notice this behavior right before your little one falls asleep.

Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician in New Jersey, says, “If your baby starts shaking their head from side to side, it may be a sign that they are anxious, overstimulated, or trying to fall asleep. Self-soothing is a completely harmless way for babies to try and make themselves feel better in new situations.”

3. While breastfeeding

While breastfeeding, babies may shake their heads to latch. It can be one of the first head movements babies may make. During nursing, they might also shake their head as a gesture to express excitement. Though your baby may support and move their head side to side, you should support their head while feeding until the age of three months.

4. Playing and interaction

Babies start to move their heads as a part of social interaction in the initial months. You may notice increased head shaking when your baby is excited.

5. Communication

A baby may use head-shake as a mode of non-verbal communication.

As the baby grows older, they may shake their head as a reflex, along with making sounds to express emotions or demand something.

protip_icon Quick fact
Babies between one and three months begin turning their heads toward the sound’s direction (2). Hence, when two or more people talk, they may go back and forth to follow the direction of different sounds.

Dr. Alexander says, “Most babies start shaking their heads to express a ‘no’ between 13 and 15 months old. However, some may start earlier and some may not start until later.”

Baby Head-Shaking Causes That Are Not Normal

If head-shake is associated with other physical and behavioral symptoms, then it could be due to developmental problems or certain medical conditions. We will touch on a few:

6. Ear infection or fluid collection in the middle ear

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, five in every six children will experience at least one ear infection by the time they reach their third birthday. Ear infections lead to pain or discomfort. This will often be associated with fever, crying, and other signs of illness. Ear tugging along with head-shaking may then occur (3).

7. Autism spectrum disorder

Babies with autism shake their head involuntarily

Image: Shutterstock

Babies with autismiA developmental disability leading to issues with social communication and interaction or repetitive behavior  tend to shake their head involuntarily. Frequent headbanging is sometimes observed with this disorder. In such cases, check for these associated behavioral traits.

  • Does not respond to sounds
  • No reaction if you call their name
  • No smile or eye contact

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that early diagnosis of autism disorders may improve the child’s quality of life due to early interventions and less parental stress (4).

8. Myoclonic epilepsy

Myoclonic head jerks or spasms can be seen in babies during epilepsyiA neurological condition that makes one more susceptible to recurrent seizures . According to the healthcare experts at the Boston Children’s Hospital, these seizuresiA medical condition that causes an involuntary and uncontrollable surge of electrical activity in the brain tend to occur in clusters and may continue to happen multiple times in a day for several days. This may be due to serious neurodevelopmental disorders (5).

9. Spasmus nutans

It is a disorder where babies do head-bobbingiAn act of moving the head up in short and quick movement with rapid eye movement called nystagmus. Sometimes, they may hold their neck in an abnormal position. As per the information available in the US National Library of Medicine, this condition usually occurs between four months and one year of age and resolves later in life (6).

protip_icon Did you know?
Sandifer syndrome is a rare movement disorder where a baby may manifest symptoms like suddenly shaking their head side-to-side in a nodding movement (7).

10. Shuddering attacks

Shuddering attacks in infants are involuntary head and upper extremity motions that occur during routine activities but do not impact consciousness. These brief episodes resemble shivering, can be frequent, and may cause alarm among parents due to their seizure-like presentation. They are also sometimes misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Shuddering attacks are characterized by stiffening, tonic posture, and fast shivering motions of the head, upper extremities, and occasionally the trunk. These events typically last from a few seconds to 15 seconds. They usually resolve or improve by age two or three (8) (9).

Repetitive Side-To-Side Head-Shaking When Sleeping

Twin babies shake heads quite often when sleeping

Image: Shutterstock

Shaking of the head side-to-side during sleep can be a symptom of rhythmic movement disorder (RMD). It is a neurological disorder with repeated movement of large muscles before or during sleep and can affect the whole body. It is especially common in infants as part of their early development and is mostly harmless. It usually involves head, limb, and neck movements, which can also occur before sleep when the baby is in a drowsy state (10). Following are the associated symptoms most common in babies and children (11):

  • Headbanging
  • Body-rocking
  • Head-rolling

Sometimes, the baby may also exhibit some less common symptoms, such as (10):

  • Leg banging
  • Leg rolling
  • Body rolling

Sometimes, a child or a baby with RMD may also exhibit rhythmic noises like loud hum sounds (10). This condition might be genetic since it is often seen in families and among twins. Seek a doctor’s opinion if you suspect RMD.

protip_icon Quick fact
Rhythmic movement disorder is quite common among infants. 59% of infants at around nine months reported body rocking, head banging, or head rolling rhythmic movements (12).

How To Stop Babies From Shaking Head?

Head shaking may cause dizziness and disorientation in babies, and it may result in falls. It might also increase the risk of hitting the crib, table, or wall. You may follow the following tactics to prevent your baby from head-shaking.

  • If your baby does it before sleep, then try to find an alternative method to soothe them before they go to bed.
  • If it is due to stress or agitation, then create a calm environment in their room.
  • Giving a massage would help a baby to relax.
Giving a massage, baby shaking head

Image: Shutterstock

If you sense that the baby shakes their head as a way to throw tantrums, then do not give in to their demands. As soon as attention is given (even negative attention) it enhances the behavior.

When To Consult A Doctor?

You may consult a pediatrician if you notice any of the following events, along with head shaking.

  • Poor interaction with caregivers
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Headbanging causing hair loss and injury
  • Increased head-shaking during anxiety
  • Trying to self-hurt
  • Delay in development
  • No response to sounds
  • Head-shaking after two years of age
protip_icon Point to consider
Track the frequency and duration for which your baby shakes their head. It will help you and your healthcare provider determine if the movement is transient or recurring.

How Is A Baby’s Head-Shaking And Body-Rocking Treated?

In most cases, no treatment is required for the baby’s shaking of the head. However, if it is occurring due to an underlying cause, such as ear infection and ASD, the pediatrician and specialist may treat the disorder to control the shaking of the head and the rocking of the body.

Even if your baby is diagnosed with RMD, it does not require treatment in most cases. However, if your baby is at risk of injury, the healthcare provider may suggest some ways to help, such as (13):

  • A protective helmet when your baby is sleeping to reduce the risk of head injury.
  • Advise to make your baby’s bedding on the floor, away from the walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can teething cause a baby to shake their head?

Some babies may shake their heads during teething. They may shake heads as a self-soothing behavior to cope with teething pain (14). It is a normal behavior in developmentally healthy infants during teething.

2. Why does my baby jerk their head back and forth?

Occasional back-and-forth movements of the head can be normal, especially when your baby is falling asleep. However, persistent bobbing of the head that is back and forth can be a sign of neurological problems such as bobble-head doll syndrome (BHDS). This can be due to cystsiA sac-like structure that may contain fluid, air, or other material in the ventricles of the brain and can be treated with surgeries (15).

3. Do babies shake their heads when they are tired?

When tired, some babies shake their heads side to side to soothe themselves and fall asleep. Generally, this movement isn’t a cause for concern and is a mechanism some babies employ to feel less anxious.

4. How long do rhythmic movement disorders (RMDs) last?

In the case of RMDs in babies or children, each individual movement, such as head rocking or rolling, may only last one or two seconds. However, one episode of RMD may last up to 15 minutes (10).

5. How can I differentiate between normal and concerning head-shaking behaviors in my baby?

While head-shaking behavior in babies is mostly benign, contact a pediatrician if you observe other symptoms in your baby, such as fever or rashes suggesting infection, signs of injuries, seizures, or worsening of movement behaviors when stressed or irritated (13).

Baby shaking its head when awake and happy is typical and a good sign of motor skill development. They may use this action to interact and communicate. However, if you notice them shaking during their sleep or together with other concerning symptoms, do not overlook it. Although typical, a baby shaking head with crying, rapid movement, and other signs can indicate underlying morbidity that may require medical intervention. So stay mindful of your baby’s movements and behavior, and do not hesitate to consult your child’s doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Infographic: Less Serious Reasons For Baby Shaking Head

Although sometimes it might indicate a medical issue, generally, babies shake their heads in response to diverse stimuli. However, be observant of any unusual signs accompanying head shaking in babies. This infographic tells you about the possible common reasons infants usually resort to shaking their heads.

baby shaking head (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Baby Shaking Head_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


Learn about the 8 common early signs of autism. Discover what signs to look for in your child’s development and how to get help.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Two Months; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  2. Hearing & Making Sounds: Your Baby’s Milestones; American Academy Of Pediatrics
  3. Middle ear infection: Overview; Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care; Cologne, Germany
  4. Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  5. Movement Disorders In Depth; Boston Children’s Hospital
  6. Spasmusnutans; The United States National Library of Medicine
  7. Sandifer Syndrome; Birth Injury Help Center
  8. Wang JJ and Goldman RD; 2021; Shuddering attacks; National Library Of Medicine
  9. Millichap, J.G.,Shuddering Attacks; 2001; Pediatric Neurology Briefs
  10. Rhythmic Movement Disorder; Sleep Foundation
  11. Jun Kohyama and Tomoyuki Takano, A boy infant with sleep related rhythmic movement disorder showing arm banging; Brazilian Association of Sleep
  12. Sleep Rhythmic Movement; American Academy Of Sleep Medicine.
  13. Head Banging and Body Rocking; Cleveland Clinic
  14. Hannah M Tully,et al; Persistent figure-8 and side-to-side head shaking is a marker for rhombencephalosynapsis; National Library Of Medicine
  15. Bobble-head doll syndrome; National Organization for Rare Disorders
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Dr. Elna Gibson
Dr. Elna GibsonMBChB, MMed, Paeds
Dr. Elna Gibson is a general pediatrician. She did her MBChB and specialization as a pediatrician in South Africa at the University of Pretoria. She obtained MMed Pediatrics (masters) with distinction in 1993.As a young specialist, Dr.

Read full bio of Dr. Elna Gibson
  • Dr. Leah Alexander
    Dr. Leah AlexanderMD, FAAP Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified pediatrician who provides medical care in an outpatient setting in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She has also been working as a pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates, New Jersey, since 2005. Dr. Alexander holds a bachelor's degree in Health Science from Kalamazoo College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Michigan State University.
    Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified pediatrician who provides medical care in an outpatient setting in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She has also been working as a pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates, New Jersey, since 2005. Dr. Alexander holds a bachelor's degree in Health Science from Kalamazoo College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Michigan State University.
Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

Read full bio of Dr Bisny T. Joseph
Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

Read full bio of Rohit Garoo
Shinta Liz Sunny
Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech
Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny